The organist librarian

At Coulsdon only 5 in choir but we sang "Most ancient of all mysteries" arranged by Greening and "Father we adore you". I played Willan and Vernon Griffiths on "Nicaea" and Ley on "Down Ampney" as "Come down O love divine" was missed last Sunday. Straight to Selhurst to get train to Victoria to be at 12 noon mass - Fr Michael Durand not coping too well with all those steps. Eleanor cantor in Lourdes setting. Louise Sage there. Bus to Royal Academy was diverted because of big Sikh demo in Piccadilly. The Friends preview of the summer exhibition was pretty crowded. Some fine pictures especially a Venice scene in Sickert style and Damien Hirst's St Sebastian. The people more interesting! Jug of Pimms for £18 - obscene! Liked the prints exhibition by Richard Austin from the 1930s and 1940s. To evensong at St John's where we sang Wood Coll Reg and Stainer "I saw the Lord" which is always fun! Watched The Apprentice final (e...

At Coulsdon we sang Praetorius "The Lord ascendeth" and Walford Davies "O King enthroned on high" and Richard Jones "Mass for Hilary". I played Bach prelude for Ascension. Train from Coulsdon South to be at 12 noon Mass at the cathedral to mark Fr Michael Archer's golden jubilee. Eleanor was an excellent cantor (Lourdes setting) and Thomas Wilson on the organ. Bach again! Reception afterwards - nice chocolate cake made by Peter - not many there. Train back in good time to get a wrap at Waitrose and play for marriage blessing at 3.30 p.m. Karen sang Schubert Ave Maria beautifully. Evensong from Lincoln and Songs of Praise from Liverpool. It was hot so I changed from suit into shorts! Garden bits and pieces. Watched BBC "South Pacific".